More than 800 high school students from across Ontario will travel to Hamilton on Thursday, Oct. 19 to test their mental agility, engineering skill and scientific know-how at the annual McMaster Engineering and Science Olympics.

Among the fun and challenging competitions scheduled are the infamous egg drop, Engineering Jeopardy, constructing a Canada arm from plastic straws, programming a robot, mathematics mental gymnastics, and a physics paper triathlon, to name a few.

Teachers will also be presented with a special challenge event while being cheered on by all the visiting students at the Olympic and Open House tent.

Awards will go to the top student teams in each event. More than $20,000 in McMaster entrance awards is available to be won. The teachers' event offers up to $7,000 in tuition awards for students selected by their teachers.

“We are more amazed each year at the talent and ingenuity students show at this event,” says Special Projects Coordinator Gord Ofield. “It's an opportunity for them to test their skills and share ideas and experiences with their peers. It's a fun day and we hope the event inspires some future scientists and engineers to come and study at McMaster.”

An Open House will allow participants to meet engineering and science faculty, students and staff. They will be able to explore faculty programs through department displays, special presentations and tours, and discuss future careers in engineering and science.

When: Thursday, Oct. 19

Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m (opening ceremonies at 9 a.m., awards at 3:45 p.m.)

Where: Check in at the tent outside of the John Hodgins Engineering Building on central campus.